Problem: When communication lacks details, team members often need to ask follow-up questions, slowing down progress.

Solution: Use clear, direct communication that includes all necessary information so everyone can understand and act without extra clarification.

Always assume that the audience has no or low context. In low-context communication, the communicator doesn’t assume the recipient has any background knowledge on the topic. The burden is on the communicator to provide all necessary information—such as Single Source of Truth links, definitions, key contacts, or recent updates—so the recipient can act without needing to ask for more. Anticipating these needs allows teams to make decisions independently and reduces time-consuming follow-up.

Tools:

• Make your low-context communication:
• Explicit
• Direct
• Simple
• Comprehensive
• “Say Why, Not Just What.”
• Every announcement or decision should clarify why a change is happening, not just what is changing.
• Leaders don’t need to explain every alternative, but they should offer a concise rationale.
• This clarity prevents speculation and fosters trust.
• If you see misaligned decisions, start by making sure everyone is on the same page with communication context.